In the Spotlight

Tax season is over, and AARP Tax-Aide in Utah did another outstanding job helping low-to-moderate income taxpayers in the state file their taxes at no charge and on time! This year, over 6,700 returns were completed at 32 sites around the state by 106 volunteer preparers.

Phone calls from fake IRS agents have netted crooks about $47 million in three years, according to the Treasury Department. The scam will continue next year, but with a twist: The newest likely target will be people with college loans, who are threatened with arrest and other penalties unless a nonexistent "federal student tax" is immediately paid.

With someone’s identity stolen every two seconds, identity theft is one of the most pervasive crimes in the world. But it’s also one of the easiest to protect against. AARP Fraud Watch Network Ambassador and expert Frank Abagnale offers 10 easy steps to help beat identity thieves.